The Bozeman weekly chronicle., 1887-03-30
PARTNERSHIP.

bully the lads widowed mother and had
rendered the poor lady's life burden tt
her by tyrannous interference and un
called for criticism. But when Jack
Flegg, who was the widows eldest son
became old enough to realize the position
Of affairs, he manifested defiant and
somewhat rebellious spirit toward his
uncle, and championed his mother with
more zeal, perhaps, than discretion. The
result wns that in course of time old Jo
sinh discovered that his ascendency over
his sister-in-law had ceased, that his
nephews and nieces would not brook his
interference or listen to his lectures, and
that, though welcomed with respect in his
late brothers. house, he was regarded
much in the same light as an ordinary
visitOr-or, at best, as an uncle and
guardian who had no particular claims
either to reverence or affection. This was
very painful to Mr.. Josiah Flegg's feel
ings, for, being pompous, sanctimonious
old humbug, he considered that he was
the benefactor of his deceased brothers
family, though he would have found II
difficult to justify his pretensions. Re
gardless Of his being a rich bachelor, he
was quite incapable Of any act Of kindness
or generosity, and the general impression
that his nephews and nieces were moro ol
less dependent upon his bounty, was en-
tirely erroneous, seeing that the income
which he grudgingly doled out to then
was really derived from the proceeds Of
his late brothers estate.
II is not surprising under these circum
stances, that old Josiah, being as vindict
i've as he was easily cowed, refused to lift
finger to assist in giving Jack start IL
life, and he was secretly disappointed
when the lad not only succeeded in obtain
ing situation for himself in the city, but
even sontrived to keep it. Nevertheless
the amiable old gentleman indulged him
self in the cheerful conviction that hi
nephew was a worthless scamp, and hi
experienced a thrill Of satisfaction wher
Jack burst into his office one afternoon
looking so agtated and anxious that II
was evident ut q glance that something
serious had happened.
"Can you give me five minutes, uncle ~
inquired his nephew, in much more
deferential tone than usual.
"Welli WE'LL What is the matter f''
inquired old Josiah quickly.
"Uncle Josiah, have come to make an
appeal to your generosity and kindness
I am afraid that have been, perhaps
sometimes not quite-well, as respectful
as l might have been, don't you know
But hope you will forget and forgive all
that. was much younger, then, you
know, and my mothers health is SO bad
that really felt bound to stand up fol
her."
Jack Flegg delivered this speech in such
an eager, breathless, incoherent manner
SO unlike his usual calm demeanor, that q
disinterested observer would Immediately
hava aa fho ~ l..
There was wildness about the set of his
necktie and general disregard of appear.
ance in his dress, which are sure tokens OF
love sickness. But old Josiah, not being
accustomed to interpret these tender signs,
and being, moreover, of an unsentimental
nature, could arrive at no other conclusion
than that his nephew was drunk.
go on, sir; go on. You have come To
say that you have lost your situation,
suppose" he said sternly.
"0h, no. answered Jack, with such
easy assurance that his uncle's heart sank.
Nothing of the kind. In fact, l should
get rise next year II staid."
'If you staidl Amt you going to stay,
them" inquired old Josiah.
''That depends upon you, uncle" said
Jack, very humbly. "The fact is that /
have no chance where am of making
anything of an income for years to come.
In time, no doubt, should obtain decent
position, but that will not be for years
until too late, in fact"
''Too late for WHAT" inquired old Josiah,
more convinced than ever that his nephew
was intoxicated.
81 am coming to that, Uncle Josiah
The truth is" said Jack, looking into the
crown of his hat and evincing other
symptoms Of embarrassment, 1.-THE truth
is that am engaged"
"Whew! That's it, is its" said old Josiah,
with an ungenial laugh.
"Yes. 1t isn't that I'm in such a tear
ing hurry to get married." said Jack ca
gerly. I'm quite prepared to wait a rea-
sonable time, and so is Louise. But I
hardly like to go toto her father unless
can show him some better prospect than
l have at present of being able to keep q
wife,"
"No wonder" sneered old Josiah. thor
oughly enjoying the youths confusion.
What came, then, to ask you, Uncle
Josiah" said Jack, rousing himself, "was
whether you could give me an opening
here in your Office. OF course | know i
have no claim whatever upon YOU; but
still, this was originally my fathers busi.
ness, and you have no partner. l could
get good testimonials from my present
employers, and am sure'-
81 suppose you would prefer to be senior
PARTNER" interrupted old Josiah, sarcasti-
cally.
~ don't expect-I don't ask for min
ute-to be taken into partnership" said
Jack, wincing. 81 should, of course, hone
that in the future, II proved myself
worthy, you would like to continue the
old name in the firm and consider that l
am not an unfit person to succeed you
You see," added the lad with q burst of
candor, "what chiefly want is to be adj
mitted to your office. Whatever my pres
ent salary and prospects, IL only were in
your office Mr.. Martineau, knowing you
and that am your nephew, would natu.
rally listen"-
"Martineaul What Martineau f'' cried
old Josiah, interrupting the flood of Jacks
grafton.
Mr.. Martineau, Of Mincing lane A
wool broker, isn't hep l am sure he
knows you," exclaimed Jack
'oho! So the young lady is daughter
OF my old friend Martineau :" exclaimed
old Josiah, startled into exhibiting sur
prise.
''Yes, uncle. Her name is Louise She
is quite young, only 10, fair, blue eyes
what does her father say ," interposed
his uncle.
well, the fact is, deferred speaking
until had made an appeal to you, uncle, i"
answered JACK, descending from the clouds
OF course, dare say, situated as i am at
present, Mr.. Martineau might-might'-
"Yes, should think SO indeed" scoffed
old Josiah. "Are you aware, young man,
that Mr.. Martineau is worth quarter Of
millions 'Pon my word, it is like your
1mpertinence to venture to make love to
his daughterr'
81 relied, at least I hoped, with your
good word and kind assistance, uncle''-
"Did your" cried old Josiah, his eyes
sparkling with savage satisfaction. ''You
imagined, did you, that after the dis
respectful manner you have behaved to
me all your life you had only to come and
cringe''-
"That will do, Uncle Josiah" inter-
rupted Jack, in his turn, rising from his
seat with creditable calmness 81 see it is
Of no use. / put my pride in my pocket,
and deserve this rebuff. 1 am sorry for
having occupied your time"
'Of all the confounded impertinent''-
"Silencer cried Jack, checking the ris-
ing stream Of his uncle's vituperation with
q sharp exclamation which rang through
the office 81 did not come here to be in
suited. l neither know nor care what
your opinion of me is, but I'll trouble you
to be civil"
Old Josiah shrank beneath his nephew's
Indignant gaze, for he was secretly fright
ened and subdued by the spirit which tic
young man displayed when reused lie
bent over his desk and began fldretinp